By Claudio Gonzalez | Technical Coordinator
In Belize, with participation from biologists who underwent training in June last year, in-water surveys to determine lionfish density and biomass as well as lionfish threshold density on coral reefs in South Water Caye Marine Reserve, Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Caye Caulker Marine Reserve, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Bacalar Chico Marine Reserve were conducted. Consultancies with experts have occurred for survey design, methods development, analyses and modelling of fish communities to develop target lionfish densities at 50 sites across Belize. These data are now being used to prepare lionfish management plans for each protected area as well as to feed into the lionfish stock assessment model and national control strategy. The final model to project changes in structure and biomass of both the in-water lionfish population and landed catch is under development.
A post-graduate student from Colorado State University started working as a social scientist with Blue Ventures in Belize to prepare and carry out the economic viability assessment.
Lionfish information and taster booths were held at Caye Caulker’s Ocean Academy, the Belize Game Fish Association fair in Belize City and Sarteneja’s Community Day. Classes about the lionfish invasion with standard five classes at two schools in stakeholder communities of South Water Caye Marine Reserve are scheduled to take place during Belize Reef Week 2016 (7-14 March).
It is great to achieve these type of events thanks to your generosity and collaboration.
We will keep you posted on future events!
The MAR Fund Team
By Claudio Gonzalez | Technical Coordinator
By Claudio Gonzalez | Technical Coordinator
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